A Martin Audio MLA PA system was recently deployed for the third annual Ramblin Man classic rock festival at Maidstone’s Mote Park, with the event’s project manager Robin Conway stating that the sound “couldn’t have been any better”.

Capital Sound was contracted to provide the audio system for the first time this year, with Conway directly responsible for clinching the contract after meeting with the event’s technical production manager, Kev Sutherland. “I think he was impressed that we were able to come up with a total production package built around MLA,” Conway said.

Capital provided sound reinforcement for all four stages, but it was Ramblin Man’s Main Stage (Planet Rock), hosting acts such as ZZ Top, Saxon, Extreme and Glenn Hughes, that benefitted from the firm’s MLA system.

Ten MLA elements were supplied each side, supplemented by an MLD Downfill at the base of each hang. Underpinning this were 13 MLX subwoofers, designed in a ‘castled’ broadside cardioid array. Eight W8LM Mini Line Arrays provided front fills, while onstage 14 LE1500 monitors provided the bands’ reference sound, alongside WS218X sub and other sidefills.

“Everyone was delighted with the sound and all the headliners achieved the levels they were hoping for,” added Conway. “The sound couldn't have been any better. You always want to give bands the best level you can — and we achieved that.”

Other crew on duty were FOH tech Micky Griffiths, who mixed many of the acts; George Breacker and Matteo Noviello (monitor techs) and Harry McCann and Finlay Watt (PA/stage techs). Overall production manager was Rachel King.